IRISH EX-SERVICE MEN
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—The anniversary of Britain's declaration of war is an occasion upon which I feel I may confidently ask the public to give their support to my British Legion Appeal Fund, and this year I desire to invite the most generous help they can give, inasmuch as the Fund is faced with a problem of grave urgency.
I refer to the condition of distress which is unhappily so widespread and acute amongst ex-Servicemen and their families in Southern Ireland. The position of these men has been engaging the most careful attention of the British Legion for some time past. The Legion has for two years been returning out of Poppy Day money double the amounts collected in Southern Ireland itself.
Recently I requested Colonel Crosfield, the Chairman of the British Legion, to make a thorough investigation on the spot as to the amount and degree of distress, and as to the possibilities of coping with it. In his report, which is before me, he states that, despite the efforts of the Free State Govern- ment itself, despite the help given by Local Authorities, eharitable organizations, the United Services Fund, and the British Legion Relief Fund, distress amongst ex-Servicemen and their families still remains extensive and acute. To quote from his report : " It is quite common to find families of seven, eight, or even ten, endeavouring to exist on a total income of 6s. per week, out of which 3s. has to be paid for rent. Tuberculosis (although statistics show that it is diminishing) is rife, largely as the result of under-nourishment, and men who are eventually found work often fail because their physical stamina has been so reduced that they are unable to cope with the work allotted."
There is surely a special call upon the British public to come to the help of these gallant fellows, who all enlisted voluntarily, and fought so splendidly during the Great War. We all hope that the trade depression from which Ireland, like many other countries, is suffering will soon pass away, but in the meantime we ought not to allow these men who served alongside us as comrades in the Great War to lose hope and vitality. I have, therefore, decided to raise a special fund for Southern Ireland,
so that we may be able not only to cope with the immediate distress and to come to the assistance of these men to a greater extent than has hitherto been possible, but also with the special object of enabling the many who so desire to get employment in our Dominions overseas.
I shall very gratefully acknowledge any contributions sent to me at 26 Eccleston Square, London, S.W. 1, and I ask that the envelope may be marked " Irish Appeal."—I am, Sir, &c., HAIL, F.M. 26 Eccleston Square, London, S.W. 1.
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